A thriving art culture, a low cost of living, and welcoming, mild weather are just some of the things that make Vallejo an ideal place to live. The city is a melting pot of diverse people from all over the planet and the country and residents appreciate the community spirit the town fosters. Vallejo is an interesting mosaic of different personalities, from its historical heritage sites to its waterfront parks, the architecture of the city reflects its colorful atmosphere. The homes in the area are designed by seasoned architects to suit the community’s vibrant culture, geography, and environment.
Finding the right architect to design a home that will be able to complement your style can be challenging. Our team has curated a list of the best residential architects in Vallejo and the surrounding area, selected based on their accreditations, certifications, professional affiliations, and the recognition each firm has received in the form of industry awards, client reviews, and features in the press. We have also laid out the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Paul Kelley Architecture
541 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559
Paul Kelley Architecture has earned a reputation throughout the Napa Valley and the Bay Area for its vision, creativity, and quality design services. For over 12 years, the firm has specialized in residential, sustainable design, historic preservation and restoration, restaurants and foodservice, commercial and tenant improvements, and wineries. Paul Kelley was the principal architect and president of Lail Design Group in St. Helena for more than a decade before he founded Paul Kelley Architecture in 2008. He is a certified Master Green Building Professional, a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, as well as the founder of the Napa Valley Building Design & Construction Consortium, and a current commissioner on the city of Napa’s Planning Commission.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is the Tokay Lane Residence—a 3,500-square-foot Mediterranean residence and guesthouse. The home, with its own small vineyard and a new pool, enjoys breathtaking views of the Mayacama Mountains to the west and across the valley to the east. Kelley’s challenge was to work on a large design without the flexibility of a large parcel. The challenge was met: the result was a perfect union of indoors and outdoors, making the most of the wonders of the Napa Valley.
FOG Studio
801 First, Suite E, Benicia, CA 94510
FOG Studio is a full-service architectural firm that has been designing residential remodels and additions—as well as educational, commercial, and cultural buildings—since 2012. The firm is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and as a Small Business (Micro) by the State of California. From research and consultant coordination to BIM modeling and construction administration, every aspect of the design process is performed by partners Brandon Marshall and Tiffany Redding. The two are also members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as LEED Accredited Professionals (AP). Brandon specializes in a design process centered around problem-solving, communication, and holistic, technology-based solutions. He has led design and visualization teams for 8 years at STUDIOS Architecture prior to founding FOG, while Tiffany amassed 18 years of architectural experience specializing in integrated sustainable design, renovation, re-use, and construction execution.
A testament to the partners’ combined skill in design is The Broken House, a renovation of a Portuguese generational family house dating back to the 1880s. The reimagination of the space involved a complete replacement of the existing foundation including an expansion of the garage not original to the house and a dug-out from the mid-20th century. The house was lifted to allow the foundation work to proceed. The renovation includes replacing the stucco with V-rustic siding and replacing the aluminum windows with more historically sound single-hung windows.
Steve McKee Architect
725 West 6th Street, Benicia
Steve McKee’s expertise in design and construction as a licensed architect and general contractor has held the attention of the finest neighborhoods in the Contra Costa and Solano Counties for over 32 years. An architect in Benicia, McKee specializes in residential design for custom homes and remodels. He worked previously for two different firms in northern California for several years. That experience, along with his background in construction, has shaped his ability to advise clients and problem solve in designing, engineering, and building.
McKee is a recipient of a number of awards including the 1983 Dean’s Award for Community Service from the UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning, the 1984 First Place Design Award from Design Competition for the Orinda Theater, and the 1997 Preservation Award from the City of Vallejo. He has also been featured in media publications including the Benicia Magazine and the Benicia Herald for his collection of work. An excellent representative of that work is a major makeover of a 1970’s house into an eclectic blend that includes shingle siding, Tuscan columns, a wrap-around deck, craftsman-style windows, and a cupola on top that had a deep significance for the owner.
Timothy J. Banuelos Architect
2325 Estrella Court, Pinole, CA 94564
Timothy J. Banuelos has made a name for himself in the Albany, American Canyon, Bayview, Belvedere, Belvedere, Vallejo areas, and surrounding neighborhoods for exemplary home additions, remodeling, kitchen and bath projects, as well as his accessory dwelling units (ADU). He earned his architecture degree from Diablo Valley College and UC Berkeley, which was the beginning of his 40 years of experience in the field. He served as a planning commissioner for the Pinole Planning Commission and was elected twice as mayor of Pinole. His expertise in design—coupled with his background in leadership in the local city government—made him highly competent with architectural office management duties. That includes business development and leadership by mentoring coworkers, from interns to newly licensed architects. He is skilled in interacting with local Bay Area jurisdictions, school districts, and the Division of the State Architect.
Timothy’s experience also encompasses pre-design to construction administration in architectural design for many project types, including homes, education-K-12, university projects, theaters, professional sports arenas, and hospitality projects. He is currently a member of the AIA and an associate/senior project manager at JRDV Urban International. The Dunn Home Upgrade is among his finest work; it involved the remodeling of the living room, family room, bathrooms, a bedroom, and the relocation of the dining room and kitchen.
RPS Design
PO Box 111, Lagunitas, CA 94938
RPS Design is a full-service architectural design firm that has been working to enhance the built environment in Marin County and the surrounding North Bay area since 2003. Before founding the firm, Robert started his architectural career working for the award-winning design firm of K. Anthony Hayek and Associates where he was instrumental in the design and construction of several prominent churches in the area as well as police stations, office buildings, and residences. His career then took him to Florida where he gained experience in retail and commercial design with Lyman Davidson & Dooley of Tampa. There he managed projects such as Eckerd drug stores, Sears department stores, Office Max stores, and covered mall buildings.
When Robert moved to Santa Barbara he joined award-winning Shubin & Donaldson Architects Inc. where he worked on office buildings for several prominent IT firms in Los Angeles as well as high-end residences. He then formed his own design firm designing residences and providing consulting services for a number of local architectural firms. He worked on a portfolio of projects ranging from traditional Spanish Revival residences and buildings to cutting-edge post-modern projects, including the Sea Way Home.
